WDC urges KP members to redouble efforts

The World Diamond Council (WDC) has called upon all entities as part of the Kimberley Process, to continue productive dialogue and co-operation, following the inconclusive KP Intersessional Meeting held recently in Tel Aviv. The meeting this year centred around Zimbabwe and whether it was capable to export roughs from Marange with KP certificates.

The meeting was attended by civil society, diamond industry and government representatives, In the light of no consensus being reached by the members, the World Diamond Council has called for all Kimberley Process stakeholders to redouble their efforts in drawing a solution acceptable to all.

In recognition of the need for the Kimberley Process to evolve and improve, a one-day seminar was jointly convened by the diamond industry and Civil Society, and attended by government members. It concluded with an agreement to develop reforms to enhance the KP's ability. Another seminar discussed more effective co-operation between the Kimberley Process and other sectors of government, including customs, security and border controls. Eli Izhakoff, President of the World Diamond Council, said "the diamond industry welcomes these developments and has long been calling for sensible and appropriate reforms and greater co-operation within and between governments."